Retreats At KSC
Residential Retreats
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, KSC is not currently holding on-site retreats. Please see our Non-residential retreats page as well as the Events page for Zoom-based retreats being offered. KSC looks forward to being able to resume on-site retreats when the pandemic-related concerns have subsided and suitable accommodations are secured.
Meditation practice is an essential activity for every Buddhist. When we enter into a retreat of any length, we enter a sanctuary, a physical and mental refuge in which we can disengage from the activities that distract us from our goal of liberation. Retreat provides favorable conditions for our inner practice, which directly affects the realization of our limitless potential, and the resultant benefit to beings.
KSC residential retreats are held three or four times per year (typically in mid-fall, late winter, and late spring). Teaching topics vary, and are announced before registration is opened. Three-day retreats begin on Friday evenings and end after lunch on Monday afternoons. Last year we did a five-day Personal Practice retreat and will do so again this year. This is an opportunity to deepen personal practice with individual guidance by the resident Lamas. All retreats include periods of silence, periods of personal practice and meditation, group meditation and teachings by the resident Lamas.
When residential retreats reopen for registration, details, registration forms, and retreat guidelines will be posted on this page. Retreats are also listed on the Events >>> page.
“The experience of retreat builds up our strength and self-confidence in order to face life’s challenges, difficulties and of course, death.”
Non-Residential Retreats
Non-residential retreats are held at KSC throughout the year, and are led by either our resident Lamas, or a guest teacher. These are 1-2 day teaching immersives, held on a weekend in our sanctuary. Typically, there is a two hour morning session, a mid-day break, and then a two hour afternoon session. Topics vary, and are announced in advance of the retreat.
BENeFITS OF A ZOOM-BASED RETREAT
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our sangha continues. Group meditations, classes, and even retreats via Zoom are helping all of us keep in touch and continue our spiritual practice. Please consider a Zoom-based retreat. Here is a typical Zoom retreat schedule (This one is a weekend retreat), followed by testimonials from Zoom retreatants.
Typical Zoom Retreat Schedule Friday 6:30-8:00 pm: Introductions. Teaching and meditation. Saturday and Sunday 7:00 - 7:30 am: Calm Abiding Meditation 9:00 - 11:00 am: Teachings and Meditations 1:00-4:00 pm: Question and Discussion. Teachings and Meditations. 5:30 - 6:00 pm: Chenrezig Meditation (optional) 6:00-6:30 pm: Calm Abiding Meditation. Dedication of the day. Sunday only 6:30 – 7:00 pm: Closing remarks.
Testimonials for Zoom-based retreats:
“In these trying times of isolation it is so important to find ways to stay connected. What better way to do that than to be in the presence of our lamas and their inspiring teachings. I have found the KSC Zoom retreats to be just the right balance of quiet practice time and meaningful guidance from Lama Pema and Lama Yeshe.” Nell LeFevbre
“One reason why I chose to participate in the June Zoom based personal practice retreat is that I would be in my home. I felt if I could adhere to the recommended schedule and activities in my own home, with all its distractions, it would strengthen my practice. It did. I have done more personal retreat since that success. Having group meditation to start the day and a teaching session near the end of the day were sangha presence enough for me to feel I was practicing in an actual group retreat.” Sara Smith
“Although there’s a lot to be said for getting away from your “normal” life on retreat, my Zoom retreat was meaningful as well. I felt calm and safe in my own home, yet aware of my everyday environment in a new way. On the Zoom screen, being up close and personal with the lamas and other retreatants was supportive and engaging. I looked forward to the group meditations and to the lamas teachings followed by ample time for questions. For me, this was an opportunity to make my own home a more tranquil and sacred refuge.” Lisa Wagner
A tribute to our former retreat centers
Buckhorn Springs Retreat Center Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Buckhorn Springs Retreat Center provided a lovely, rustic resort that hosted KSC residential retreats for many years. It has been a healing destination for several centuries on 130 acres adjoining the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Retreatants enjoyed the restored historic lodge and cabins, as well as family-style vegetarian meals in the lodge dining room. The Sargent family welcomed us all with warmth and unparalleled hospitality. Buckhorn Springs closed its doors in 2020. KSC extends its deepest gratitude to the Sargent family for the hospitality, warmth and comfort they provided to our retreatants. We hold them all in our hearts.
Wayfarer Resort Until the Holiday Farm fire that swept through the McKenzie River Valley on September 7, 2020, destroying so much in its path, the Wayfarer Resort perched on the banks of the brilliant blue McKenzie River and glacier-fed Marten Creek. The Wayfarer created a special sense of solitude and comfort amidst the Cascade Mountains and surrounding forest land, and it was special to KSC and its sangha. The Wayfarer Resort was extensively damaged by the fire in 2020, and is temporarily closed.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of these two beautiful and contemplative retreat spaces that hosted many KSC retreats over the years. We are grateful to the owners for the many wonderful experiences they provided to our retreatants, and wish them well.